Trigeminal trophic syndrome (TTS) is a rare neurocutaneous disorder defined by trigeminal anesthesia, facial paresthesia, and crescentic ulceration of the nasal ala. We describe an 86-year-old woman with long-standing trigeminal neuralgia who developed a suspicious ulcerated lesion on the left nasal ala. Although the initial biopsy showed atypical squamous cells suggestive of squamous cell carcinoma, the combined histopathologic, radiologic, and clinical findings supported a diagnosis of TTS. This case underscores the need to distinguish TTS from malignancy, particularly in elderly patients with neurologic comorbidities. Early recognition may prevent unnecessary invasive procedures and improve outcomes.
Song et al. (Mon,) studied this question.